Imitation wood beams are very interesting elements when we want to create classic or rustic style environments without the disadvantages of this natural material. But what are their characteristics and what advantages do they offer?
This is the question we want to answer in ParaTuReforma. So, if you are considering the possibility of installing them in your home, read on.
Imitation wood beams
To understand this concept, the first thing to do is to define what a beam is. Specifically, it is a rigid architectural element that, placed horizontally on the roof, supports and transmits the weight to the columns of the building. In this way, there is no risk of the roof falling.
Traditionally, wood beams have been the most widely used in the construction sector. However, with the passage of time and the discovery of new materials that offer better performance and lack their disadvantages, their installation has lost momentum.
Despite this, users still place great value on the aesthetic finish of the wood. This is the reason why, today, many manufacturers have embarked on the production of imitation beams. That is, beams made of materials other than wood, but which simulate its aesthetics.
Imitation beam material
There are two types of imitation wood beams:
- Imitation wood beams that support structural loads. They not only fulfill an aesthetic function, but also an architectural one. As we said before, it is to support the weight of the roof or upper floor and distribute it among the columns or pillars. In this case, the material used to manufacture these beams is concrete, which is coated with the wood chosen by the user.
- Imitation wood beams that do not support structural loads. Currently, they are the most commonly installed in homes, since new constructions do not usually require these elements. Since they have no architectural function, they are made of materials that are lighter, cheaper and easier to handle than concrete, such as polyurethane.
It should be noted that polyurethane is very moldable and supports a multitude of shapes. This is the reason why in the ParaTuReforma catalog you can find, for example, square and half-round imitation wood beams.
In addition, installation is very simple. This can be done in two ways. The first is by screwing a series of guides to the ceiling into which the imitation beams are then fitted. The other consists of using a special adhesive for polyurethane.
Features
Imitation wood beams made of concrete are capable of withstanding much higher structural loads, are stronger and have a significantly longer service life.
However, the ones that really interest us here, since they are the ones that are present in our catalog, are the imitation wood beams made of polyurethane. Among their characteristics, the following deserve your attention:
- They are flame retardant. That is, they are not affected by flames in case of fire. Therefore, if a fire should occur, the beams act as a firewall, preventing it from spreading to other rooms above and minimizing damage.
- Low price. The value of these beams is much lower than those made of natural wood. Possibly, between 10 and 15 times lower. This makes them accessible to most users.
- Production speed. Generally, wood beams must be purchased to order and can take several weeks to arrive at the customer’s home. However, the availability of polyurethane wood imitation beams is almost immediate.
Advantages
To understand the advantages provided by imitation wood beams, it is necessary to first understand the weaknesses of this material when it is presented in its natural form. Both aspects go hand in hand.
Vulnerability of wood
Especially against humidity. A water leak on an upper floor or a leak from the roof can cause serious damage to the wood joists. In fact, it is possible that either of these elements will eventually force you to replace them.
You may think that, hiring a good home insurance policy, if this happens, it will only be a nuisance. However, you should know that these elements have the ability to significantly increase the price of the policy.
In turn, as we said before, wood is a flammable material. Therefore, in case of fire, it will be very difficult to control the flames. The polyurethane used in the imitation models does not have any of these disadvantages.
Need for constant maintenance
Imitation beams also don’t require any maintenance beyond a little regular cleaning. In other words, once you put them up, you can forget about them.
Wood, on the other hand, does require a lot of care. For example, every few years it is necessary to apply a protective varnish that adds an additional layer of protection against moisture, fire and other elements harmful to the material. In many cases, this work must be carried out by a professional.
Very high price
Even if you choose a cheap type of wood, such as pine or beech. To this you must add that, given the weight and characteristics of the beams, it is very likely that you will have to pay the labor of an installer to put them in the ceilings of your home. This is a disadvantage that polyurethane does not have either.
As you can see, opting for imitation wood beams for your home is a smart decision. Thanks to them, you can enjoy the aesthetic finish of traditional wooden beams, but you will not suffer the disadvantages of this material. In ParaTuReforma we offer you a wide variety of square and half-round models so that you can choose the one that best suits your tastes. Contact our customer service if you have any questions or want to request a free quote.
